Teaching our kids to be good sports when playing games can be a difficult thing. Some kids are born to be naturally competitive and even people who aren't naturally driven to win, don't like to lose. Lately, the news too often covers parents who go a little crazy trying to urge their kids on in a game. So this month I was delighted to find two truly great examples of people being good sports.
The first was a contestant, Jean-Claude from Ottawa, Ontario, who was on The Price Is Right. On one of the challenges he was told that IF he won that game he would also be awarded a check for $20,000.00. Well, Jean-Claude guessed correctly, and when they presented him with the check he was almost overcome.
"Are you kidding?" he asked, his hands covering his face. Then he collected himself, and thanked Drew and the models presenting him with the prize. It was heart-warming to see such a grateful person. Fast forward to the end of the show.
Jean-Claude made it into the showcase and gave his estimate of the prize value. Jean-Claude was over by $5,000.00. (That automatically means he has lost.) The other contestant was nervous, but Jean-Claude kept saying "You're ok. You're good. You'll get it." And he stood back and clapped for her while Drew was revealing the value. When she won Jean-Claude could be heard shouting for her..."I told you it was good!" He shouted, he cheered, he whistled for her as she won the final showcase.
Jean-Claude wasn't just a good sport. He was truly grateful for his prize, but just as happy when he lost. He was a joy to watch.
The second story was totally different but even more heartwarming.
We have heard wonderful stories of coaches who put in bench warmers or even disabled kids for the final play. Usually they have a Cinderella ending where they make the final goal or basket. This story didn't play out that way.
Even though the team was ahead by 10 points when the coach put in the team manager, who was mentally challenged, his attempts at scoring time after time were futile. What happens next is where the story becomes beautiful, and where you meet a young man who understood true sportsmanship. I won't tell you the ending. Instead, click on the link to see it unfold.
http://www.kdcountry94.com/2013/02/27/good-news-high-school-basketball-player-passes-ball-to-mentally-challenged-player/
And just in case you can't make the link work my next post will give you the 'rest of the story'.
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